Premier League sides Man Utd and Chelsea have entered the battle to sign Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, according to reports.
Isak has impressed in La Liga since leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2019, contributing 17 league goals in 34 appearances last term.
His form has dipped this season for Real Sociedad having only netted seven in 24 matches in all competitions this season.
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There were claims at the beginning of January that Arsenal were ‘close’ to signing the Sweden international after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy.
The north London club are also likely to lose Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette, whose deals expire in the summer, on free transfers.
And Arsenal reportedly made a £58m bid on deadline day for Isak, only for the bid to be turned down by Real Sociedad, who want £75m to do a deal.
The Gunners are still interested but the Daily Mirror claims that Man Utd and Chelsea are ‘both keen on’ the Sweden international.
With a £75m release clause, Isak is ‘considered an alternative’ to Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, who is available for a good price in the summer.
Man Utd see Isak as ‘a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo should he leave in the summer’ with rumours the Portugal international will ask to depart if the club fail to finish in the top four.
Chelsea ‘could go again on the striker front’ unless Romelu Lukaku can turn his form around this season and Arsenal will ‘also be in the running for Isak’.
Isak, who is contracted to Real Sociedad until 2026, was unmoved by reports linking him with a move away from the club.
Speaking in January, he told Mundo Deportivo: “I am not talking about other clubs.
“I am a Real player, I work here and this is my club. My work is on the pitch, and as I told you before, there are other people who work outside.”
Asked whether he was ruling out a move, Isak added: “You can never be sure of anything.
“As I always say, you never know what can happen in football but in the end I’m here, happy, and nothing more.”
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